Every day, thousands of Ugandan families wait in makeshift camps for medical help, help that often never arrives. This month, more of these families will receive medical attention with the help of a $90,000 grant from the Japanese government to Medical Teams International.

The grant will fund two mobile medical units, enabling Medical Teams International's staff and medical volunteers to reach an additional 90,000 people living in camps for internally displaced persons (IDP). The new vehicles enable Medical Teams International to serve a total of 216,000 people living in 13 IDP camps in northern Uganda.

"These medical vehicles are a huge boost to our work in Uganda," says Joe DiCarlo, director of emergency relief at Medical Teams International. "Without transportation, we can't get our medicines or our medical providers to where the need is greatest. This money is bringing critically needed medicines and medical care to families who otherwise would not receive aid. We look forward to a continued partnership with the Japanese government in the years ahead."

More than 20 years of rebel attacks have displaced an estimated two million Ugandans. Without medical care, clean water or adequate sanitation, thousands of homeless families remain in these makeshift shelters, anxious to return home, but afraid of guerilla violence.

"This is a great example of our Ugandan staff working with local community and diplomatic leaders to acquire much needed resources for their people. It's a tribute to the quality work that our local staff and international volunteers provide," adds DiCarlo.

Medical Teams International has been working in northern Uganda since June 2004, providing medical care, health education, and medicines and supplies to local clinics and hospitals. More than 40 local staff manage projects in the Lira and Pader districts. Ten volunteer medical teams are scheduled to serve for one month each during the next 12 months.